Treating childhood obesity in primary care

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Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report
05:10

Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report

Published on: May 30, 2025

Ellen R Wald1, Stacey C L Moyer, Jens Eickhoff

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53792, USA. erwald@pediatrics.wisc.edu

Clinical Pediatrics
|June 8, 2011
PubMed

Insights

A primary care intervention for childhood obesity helped children lose weight. This family-based program improved body mass index z scores, showing effectiveness in a real-world setting.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health
  • Behavioral Science

Background:

  • Childhood obesity is a significant public health concern requiring effective interventions.
  • Primary care settings offer a crucial opportunity for early identification and management of pediatric obesity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate a family-based behavioral weight management intervention for obese children (9-12 years) delivered in primary care.
  • To assess the intervention's impact on weight loss and body mass index (BMI) z scores.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective cohort study involving 78 children and families in a primary care setting.
  • An 11-session program included calorie goals, self-monitoring, physical activity, and behavior change skills.
  • A comparison group of 23 children served as quasi-controls.

Main Results:

  • Children completing the program (n=55) achieved a mean weight loss of 2.4 lbs at 15 weeks, versus a mean gain of 3.45 lbs in controls.
  • Significant reduction in BMI z score from baseline to 24 months (mean change -0.17 ± 0.32, P < .001).
  • 71% of participants completed the intervention.

Conclusions:

  • A family-based behavioral weight management program delivered in primary care is effective for treating childhood obesity.
  • Primary care is a suitable setting for implementing pediatric obesity interventions.
  • The intervention demonstrated sustained positive effects on BMI z scores over 24 months.

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